Camp is better when it’s shared. Right now, registered campers and families may invite new campers or families to join them at camp.  Read below for details on how to refer a new camper to get up to $150 back on your registration!

​IMPORTANT DATES FOR SUMMER 2026:
  • December 11, 2025 (6:00 a.m.) – January 15, 2026: Priority Registration for congregations with blocks
  • January 15, 2026: General Registration opens (blocks release) 
  • February 19, 2026: Early Bird discount deadline ($65 off eligible programs). Note: Early Bird does not apply to Onsite Day Camp, Camp Joy Day Camp, or Ordinary Time.

TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP:
  • Online or by mail.
    • Online: Click any “Register for Summer Camp” button on our website.
    • By mail: Complete a youth camp or family camp registration form and mail it with a $150 deposit to: Water’s Edge Ministries, 9916 Lake Avenue South, Spicer, MN 56288
  • Grade level: Register based on the grade completed by Summer 2026.
  • If a program is full: Register for your preferred week and add your camper to the waitlist. You may also register for an alternate week. If a spot opens in your preferred week, we’ll transfer and cancel the alternate at no penalty.
  • If your congregation has a block: During the priority window (Dec 11–Jan 15), use your church’s priority link. Campers may appear waitlisted until our office places them into the church block (usually within 24 hours). Once placed, families receive a confirmation email.
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PAYMENT NOTES:
  • Fee levels: We are utilizing fee levels again this year. Click here to learn more.
  • Payment plans: Contact our Registration & Reservation Manager at 320-796-2181 to set up a plan.
  • Final balances: Due May 21, 2026 (date shown on your invoice/confirmation). Registrations after this date should be paid in full before arrival
 DISCOUNTS:
  • Early Bird: $65 off per eligible program through February 19, 2026.
  • Sibling discount: $25 off full-week programs, $15 off Half Blast (select during registration).
  • Not eligible for discounts: Onsite Day Camp, Camp Joy Day Camp, Ordinary Time.​

NEW!  REFERRAL CREDIT:
Camp is better when it’s shared. Right now, registered campers and families may invite new campers or families to join them at camp.
  • Youth Camp referrals apply when a new 2026 camper registers for an eligible youth camp program and lists another camper as their referral. The new camper receives $150 off a full-week, overnight program or $75 off a half-week program. After camp, the referring camper receives the same amount as a refund or account credit.
  • Family Camp referrals apply when a new 2026 family registers for an eligible Family Camp program and lists another family as their referral. The new family receives $150 off, and the referring family receives a $150 refund or account credit after camp.
The referral discount applies only to new 2026 camper or family registrations on or after May 8, 2026. Referral refunds and credits will be processed in August. Families may still apply for scholarships, and congregational support may still be applied as usual. Referral credits may be combined with the sibling discount for youth programs. Campers and families may refer someone to a different eligible program or week. There is no limit to how many new campers or families may be invited. Referral credits cannot be used for yourself or claimed in a circle between the same two families. Referral credits are not available for Ordinary Time, Camp Joy, Ordinary Time, or Serve Boldly.


​SCHOLARSHIPS:
We want camp to be available to everyone who wants to come! Many congregations offer scholarships. If you need additional assistance, complete our Scholarship Request Form (online or printable), or call 320-796-2181. We’ll email or mail a confirmation upon processing.
 
CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellations received 30 days before the camper's arrival date will receive a refund minus a $75 administration fee. Ordinary Time cancellations incur a $50 administrative fee. All other cancellations are non-refundable. Exceptions may be made due to family emergencies and illness.

CONGREGATIONAL BLOCKS:
A block reservation is when your church sets aside a group of spots in a specific week—it’s like saving seats for your congregation. Blocks are especially helpful for larger groups, congregations with a camp tradition, or congregations wanting all age groups to attend the same week together.
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Important: The estimated camper numbers you provide aren’t just placeholders—they guide staffing, housing, and scheduling across all our sites. Numbers can change, and that’s okay—we just ask that your estimate be realistic. If you’re anticipating growth, let’s talk it through together so we can plan well for your group and all congregations.

Blocks are available for Youth Camps (Half Blast, Base Camp, Trailblazers, Stargazers) and Confirmation Camp. Note: Families may still register early for other programs, but blocks will not be reserved for Fishing Camp, Onsite Day Camp, Adult/Family Programs, or Community Guides.

Block requests are honored in order received and based on availability. To ensure equitable access and safe staffing, adjustments to block sizes may be made.

Key Dates For Block Reservations (2026):
  • Nov 18, 2025: Block reservations open at Launch Day (attendees submit first)
  • Nov 20, 2025: Block requests open for everyone
  • Dec 11, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026: Priority family registration (block congregations use church link)
  • Jan 15, 2026: Blocks release; General Registration opens
  • Feb 19, 2026: Early Bird deadline

How to reserve a block: Attend Launch Day, November 18, 2025, for early access!
This event gives you the first opportunity to submit your block reservation request, connect with other leaders, and learn about updates for Summer 2026. If you can’t attend, no worries—block requests open for everyone just two days later!

Requesting multiple weeks: If you want to request a second, different week for eligible Youth Camps or Confirmation Camp, submit the block request a second time with the additional week’s details. (Additional requests must be for different sessions, not the same campers duplicated.)

Capacity approach: Requests are honored in order received and based on availability. To ensure equitable access and safe staffing, adjustments to block sizes may be made—we will be in conversation with you about any changes.

Gender-by-session note: Because of increasing demand and housing assignments, please reserve by specific program and binary gender (boys/girls) (e.g., “5 boy + 5 girl spots for Base Camp; 5 boy spots for Stargazers”) rather than requesting a single general total.

​Attendance history: To inquire how many of your youth attended specific programs in 2025, contact Janel Skindelien, Registration & Reservation Manager at [email protected] or 320-796-2181.